These 6 Out-Of-Place Creatures Have Been Spotted In Arkansas And You’ll Want To Steer Clear
By Carol Ann Carson|Published August 31, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Whether it’s for deer season or nature photography, Arkansans are typically well aware of the dangerous creatures in the state. You’ve probably already been briefed on handling bear encounters when visiting a state park; or, have heard about a mountain lion sighting from a family member. These animals are certainly worth a double-take when you’re out in nature but they’re not the only creatures that roam the forest. From large to small, one-off accidents to colonies of invasive species — these six creatures are out-of-place and unwelcomed.
Originally, feral hogs were bought to the United States in the 1500s by Spanish Explorer, Hernando DeSoto. For a while, they stayed around areas of the Rio Grande and Coastal Plains as well as some of eastern Texas. Now the creatures are Arkansas' worst invasive pest and open to hunting. No matter if you just see one or 30 to 50 feral hogs, steer clear unless you're prepared to hunt.
Don't worry, the all the kitties at Turpentine Creek Refuge are safely contained. However, back in 2005 a "pet" tiger was released by its owner at the foot of a mountain near the Buffalo National River. Like any good house cat (we jest), the 400-pound tiger made the trek back to its owner house 60 miles away. The big cat was taken to a refuge after the incident.
Not every unwelcome creature weighs hundreds of pounds. The Sirex woodwasp is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa but came to the United States from exported timber. The wasps are a huge concern to Arkansas because of their parasitism on pine trees, specifically the loblolly pine.
Another tiny, but mighty pest in Arkansas is the soybean aphid. The creature was originally just a pest in Asia but, due to exporting, has expanded it's bothersome reach. Since soybean farming make up 3.1 million acres in Arkansas, it's vital that this pest stays away. Thankfully, this is one of the critters that ladybugs love to eat.
A distant cousin to the typical pet shop python, the red-tail boa, has made headlines in Arkansas. Just last month an 11-foot Colombian red-tailed boa constrictor was reported missing in Van Buren County. No news of the pet's return have been announced so what where you tread if you're in the area.
The majority of Arkansas' out-of-place creatures are small insects brought in from exports. The imported red fire ant is one more species wreaking havoc in the state. The bug originally came to the United States from South Africa and became a pest in Arkansas around the 1950s. You may not be aware but we have 39 counties under an active fire ant quarantine. This means materials like potted plants, grass sod, and baled hay that has come into contact with soil can’t be shipped to non-quarantine areas.
Have you encountered any of these creatures? Share your tale in the comments below!
We’re certainly not suggesting you eat any these particular creatures but Arkansans do dine on some pretty odd dishes.
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